Coughlan aiming for fair approach

Carlow: Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan pledged at the Agricultural Science Association conference yesterday that she will try and ensure a fair and balanced approach to the sale of veterinary medicines.

She said a consultative process is taking place at the moment and she will be taking into consideration the views expressed by all - those in the farming enterprises, support structures and other professionals.

“Hopefully I will be in a position to bring that balanced approach, taking into consideration the balances that are needed between our agri-food industry, safety issues and most particularly the cost element to farmers,” she said.